15. Resource Quality (Water, Air, Soil) Volume One (e) where it is possible for eroded soil to reach any fresh waterbody or coastal water: (i) the objectives and policies of this chapter under Issues 15A to 15C; and (ii) the likely degree of compliance with water quality standards set for the waterbody; (f) any potential adverse effects on community water supplies; and (g) whether the land disturbance is necessary for the operation or maintenance of regionally significant infrastructure. This policy identifies the matters that the Council must have regard to when considering any land use consent application to undertake land disturbance. These matters will ensure that any adverse effects of land disturbance on soil and water resources are avoided, remedied or mitigated. For clarity, the policy also applies to activities identified as discretionary by the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health 2011. [R] Policy 15.4.5 – Control of animal pests will be a significant focus in maintaining and enhancing soil quality, particularly in the hill and high country of the Wairau, Waihopai, Taylor, Awatere, Ure/Waima and Clarence river catchments. Pest animals can have a significant impact on soil resources. For example, feral rabbits are a historic threat to the soil resource in southern Marlborough. Their browsing reduces vegetation cover and scratching/borrowing exposes the soil to the elements. Through the Regional Pest Management Plan, the Council and landowners will manage those pest animals that have the potential to accelerate soil erosion, where these pests fulfil the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 1993. [R] Policy 15.4.6 – Manage the erosion risk associated with loess soil by: (a) continuing to maintain the Wither Hills Soil Conservation Reserve; (b) controlling the discharge of liquid waste onto or into loess soils; and (c) controlling the excavation of loess soil on slopes. Loess soil consists of accumulated wind-blown silt prone to tunnel gully erosion as it is held together weakly and tends to disperse or "melt away” if it becomes excessively wet. There are significant areas of loess soil in the rural environment of south Marlborough and a long history exists of managing these soils to reduce the extent of tunnel gully erosion, particularly on the Wither Hills Conservation Reserve. This reserve comprises 1,100 hectares of hill country that extends the length of the southern boundary of the Blenheim urban area. Eroded material from the reserve has the potential to fill stream channels at the base of the Wither Hills and create a flood risk for the Blenheim urban area. Despite these serious soil erosion issues, the reserve remains a working sheep and cattle farm. It is also unique due to its proximity to Blenheim and its considerable recreational and amenity value. This policy signals that soil conservation management will continue for the foreseeable future. The policy recognises that the discharge of liquid waste onto loess soil has the potential to increase the risk of tunnel gully erosion by adding to the hydraulic loading on the soil. For this reason, the discharge of liquid waste onto or into loess soils will require a discharge permit so that this risk can be appropriately managed through the resource consent process. Other provisions in Chapter 16 - Waste guide the consideration of any discharge permit application. 15 – 40